Chapter 13 — The First Round

April 22nd. The day of the Erabareshimono no Kyousou had finally arrived.


In a conference room at the official arena, all teams were summoned by President Narukami Rachel for final announcements before the tournament began.


She scanned the crowd, teams praying under stress or those already equipped and with the will to win in their eyes.


Our eyes met briefly, and a smile curved across her lips as she glanced at the Team Hôjû and the Team Bu Mie, whose captains were absent.


The lights went out except for one, the one on the stage where Rachel stood, already warming up her vocal cords.


And after a slight crackle from the mic, Rachel spoke up:


"Hello, dear chosen ones! The moment you all have been waiting for has finally arrived—the start of Erabareshimono no Kyousou! But before that, here is some final information."


The giant screen behind her lit up.


"As you probably know, the organizing company developed a device several years ago to prevent fatal injuries in the tournament and to preserve participants' physical integrity after their fights."


Rachel snapped her fingers, and several drones distributed watches to everyone present. As soon as I strapped it on my wrist, the small screen lit up, displaying my vital signs and an image of my body with details about its condition.


"You can find more information about this in the built-in manual, or you can discover it for yourself in the field. And now, I must announce a rule change."


Rachel's locked with mine while she continued.


"After a single participant won the first round of his high school's playoffs, the disciplinary committee decided to change the mercy rule and its applications."


//Mercy rule: If the losing team has won at least twenty percent of their matches, and their captain defeats the opposing captain, they may challenge all victorious opponents in succession (without healing between matches). The captain’s win does not count toward the mercy rule except when the team consists of only one member. //


"Previously, a single participant could face each member of the opposing team and win without any other members on their team. In the spirit of fairness, this rule has been changed so that, to trigger the mercy rule, after the captain of the team with the fewest points wins, their total points must be greater than half the number of members on the team with the most points. This rule will take effect in the second round."


Oh... Is that so...? It just seems like a way to prevent solo entries. In principle, you just need one more win than before. The question is, why introduce this rule? Is it really out of concern for fairness or...


Ryûko grabbed the sleeve of my uniform. She stood on tiptoe so she could whisper in my ear.


"Hehe! Good thing we formed a team, Newbie. That rule would have ruined your tournament run."


"Yeah..."


The mercy rule had never been questioned because no one had ever won by participating alone, except for one, who had won the tournament convincingly more than twenty years ago.


After Rachel's announcements, we were guided to the stands reserved for participating teams. The fights were one-on-one between each member, each worth one point, and finally a fight between the two captains, worth two points.


We were able to watch the two fights before ours. First, Team Narukami's 7-0 victory over Team Takefumi after they forfeited following their third defeat. Then, Team Ora's 5-2 victory over Team Kazama.


For the third match of the day, it was Team Hinata's turn to take the stage. We faced Team Watanabe in silence during the pre-match team presentation, though one member of their team was absent.


A sharp beep sounded from the speakers. A high-pitched, energetic voice filled the cheer-bathed arena:


"Heya, everyone!! After a quick break, we are back for more action! This is Nanase Nana, here to comment on your favorite high school battles!! Is everyone hyped up?!!"


The crowd responded with a cheer in unison that echoed throughout the arena.


"Without further ado, let's move on to the next match! On my right, led by the Student Council secretary, Team Watanabe!! And on my left, composed entirely of first-year students, the underdogs of this contest: Team Hinata!!"


The crowd cheered for both teams. In the center of the arena, the atmosphere was different. Everyone was focused on a single goal, victory, even if some faces did not show it.


Next to me, Ryûko looked around at the crowd."That's a lot of people... I didn't think the tournament would be such a big deal to regular people."


"It's advertised everywhere. Of course, it would be popular," Akira answered. "Focus on your fight instead of asking yourself dumb questions, Ryûko."


"Sheesh... I know already..."

Team Hinata:
- Harumaki Yuuki (1st year) (C)
- Tsukishima Mori (1st year)
- Hinata Ryûko (1st year)
- Odogiri Yôsuke (1st year)
- Toshinori Akira (1st year)

Team Watanabe:
- Watanabe Futaba (2nd year) (C)
- Arataki Sieg (1st year)
- Karui Sôrei (2nd year)
- Ban Migidari (2nd year)
- Sumiyaka Maru (1st year)
- Odoyaka Odosu (3rd year)


Their captain, Watanabe Futaba, stood with their hands clasped behind their back and their eyes squinted, giving them a snake-like vibe.


"The crowd's so loud... I'm starting to feel nervous."


Yet their tone showed no hint of nervousness. They locked eyes with me and extended their hand.


"Let's both do our best, Harumaki-san."


I nodded in response and shook Watanabe's hand. I felt a sharp pain when our palms touched, as if something had stung me. And indeed, there was a small red mark on my palm.


"Oh? So even the strongest can get caught off guard, huh?" Watanabe chuckled mischievously. "Our battle has already begun, Harumaki-san. Try to stay focused throughout, or you risk losing everything."


Watanabe opened their eyes slightly. Yeah, they really look snake-like even when opened.


"Are you trying to intimidate me? 'Cause, just so you know, I'm not scared of snakes." I deadpanned without really thinking.


Watanabe, just like the other members of their team, stared at me silently, as if I'd just said something dumb.


"It's true, though, I'm not scared of snakes." My doubling down didn't solve my case; even my team members were judging me.


The commentator's shrill voice interrupted this awkward moment:


"Without further ado, let's get the first fight started!!!"


"Oh yeah. We didn't decide who's going first, huh?"Akira said.


"It's Tsukishima-san."


"Eh.


"Did I say something weird again?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.


"Well, duh. Why would you send Mori first? I don't think that's a good idea." Out of everyone, Ryûko confronted me. "You should send me instead!"


"No. I've made my choice. Unless Tsukishima-san herself refuses."


I looked at Tsukishima, and she avoided my gaze. She did her best to conceal her nervousness. She had an out, but even then, she spoke up:

"I'll do it. I will try my best and defeat my opponent."


Her answer was more honest than I'd expected. Even though you couldn't see it in her eyes, her thoughts revealed everything there was to know about how she really felt.


A fear of failure, overwhelmed by a fear of disappointing others. I wanted to see if her courage would triumph over everything else.


As I walked past her, I patted her lightly on the back. "Good luck," slipped my lips.


Once the teams had left for the stands, all I could do was watch the arena and hope that Tsukishima would live up to my expectations.


Tsukishima and her opponent faced each other, alone at the center of the arena.


Her opponent was Arataki Sieg, a guy from our class and apparently the younger brother of one of the Big Four members.


That Arataki guy bowed, politely greeting Tsukishima before the start.


"Tsukishima-san... I'm sorry, but I won't hold back, even against you!"


Arataki wielded a claymore that looked far too heavy for his size.


Tsukishima's only response was a simple nod as she drew her weapons—two war fans.


The event that would change my destiny was about to begin. Yet, all I could do was watch Tsukishima, hoping she'd win. For now, my destiny and hope are in her hands, as promised.


"The wheel of fate is turning, Yuuki-kun."


"Seems like it."


"Will it turn in your favor this time? Or—"

"I'll make it happen by force if I have to. I'm strong enough for that."


"That sounds just like you, Yuuki-kun. I've known you since birth—and this time, more than ever, I believe in you. Let's hope that the others are up to the task."


"That's my responsibility as well. Marie and I will be reunited, and it will happen if I do what is necessary to turn their hope into strength."

Yeah... Marie... We will be reunited; there is no other outcome.

A sudden sneeze jolted me back to reality, breaking the tension. Beside me, Ryûko blinked in surprise.


"Huh? It's not that cold today. Does the Newbie have allergies?"


"Not that I know of. Maybe it's just someone talking about me or something like that."


"You believe that too?! I knew I wasn't imagining things!"


"I was joking."


"Ah... Geez, Newbie, you're such a tease sometimes."


"I'm not. If Ryûko can't catch a joke, that's her fault."


Ryûko lightly tapped my shoulder with her fist.


Nanase Nana's loud voice echoed in the arena, charged with pressure from both the crowd and the two fighters.


"Which team will seize the early lead, between Team Hinata and Team Watanabe! ARE YOU READY...? LET'S ROCK!!!"


The match began immediately, Arataki wielding his claymore, while Tsukishima brandished a pair of war fans.


Tsukishima kept Arataki at bay with ice projectiles, dashing away gracefully whenever he closed the distance.


The fight quickly became a game of cat and mouse, with Tsukishima clearly at an advantage.


One time, Arataki was at the right range to attack, and Tsukishima jumped above his horizontal blow. She landed lightly and planted her feet firmly on the ground.


By reflex, Arataki shifted his guard, preparing to dodge a powerful kick. "Still, Tsukishima adapted as I'd taught her and managed to strike under Arataki's guard before dodging his counterattack with ease.


Tsukishima forced Arataki to follow her rhythm, making it way easier for her to have the advantage. She launched multiple ranged attacks, mostly hitting their mark, but causing little real harm due to her limited damage output.


"I can't go on like this. If her attacks keep stacking up, I'll definitely lose," Arataki thought.


Arataki broke the distance one more time, using the flat side of his blade as a makeshift shield before forcefully shoving Tsukishima back.


Pushed backward, Tsukishima retreated further. This distance suited her; her ice projectiles were weak, but if they kept stacking up, it would definitely show results.


"If I believe what Harumaki-san said, I'm stronger than him. Arataki-san should be aware of this, too, so why doesn't he use his Kikai?"


Tsukishima snapped back to focus just as Arataki's claymore nearly grazed her. Keeping her cool, Tsukishima dodged the swift attack at the last second and retreated again.


"It'd be easier if you stopped dodging so much."


They locked eyes, Arataki's gaze unwavering and Tsukishima's cold glare, as sparks flashed between the two of them.


"Don't give me that look, Tsukishima-san..."


While Arataki believed that Tsukishima's gaze was disdainful, she was actually looking for a way to make her blows effective. Her lack of experience in close combat made any confrontation with Arataki too dangerous.


"There must be another way... I won't beat him with those weak projectiles."


Back in the stands, I studied Tsukishima's body language. From the moment she'd had that thought, the momentum shifted in Arataki's favor.


I sighed. "Tsukishima-san is doing it again."


"What exactly is she doing?" Yôsuke leaned forward.


"Hesitating."


"Tsukimomo's attacks barely scratch him. I would be hesitant as well if I were her."


For some reason, Tonakura Waguri had joined us, spectating Tsukishima. And the first thing she did was contradict me.


"That's not the issue here. She's doubting herself for no reason. That's my point."


"Hmpf! Easy for you to say."


"If I were her, I'd strike hard before he could unleash his Kikai. Simple as that. That's what I told her to do as well."


Tonakura clicked her tongue loudly, crossing her arms tightly across her chest.


"He keeps acting like he knows everything better than anyone else. I hate it so much! Tsukimomo's nothing like him, can't he see it?"


In the arena, Tsukishima had a harder time finding openings. Even her icicle spears missed more and more, as Arataki gained the upper hand.


The girl's mind raced with doubts; the slightest misplacement became a new worry she carried for the rest of the fight. Tsukishima tried to apply my advice on questions to herself rather than to her opponent.


"If I try this, he will surely hit me... What should I do...? How can he ask so many questions without thinking about it...?"


Arataki drove Tsukishima back with a sharp right jab, then surged forward, forcing her to craft an ice shield.


Arataki raised his blade, then slammed it down with full force onto Tsukishima's ice shield—though the sword's edge failed to penetrate it.


"What a maneuver by Combatant Arataki! He's completely turned the tide in his favor! Combatant Tsukishima is now on the back foot, but she's still holding her defense. Does she have a counterattack left in her???"


Arataki stepped back. He knew he wouldn't be able to break through Tsukishima's shield... He simply didn't have the strength.


Meanwhile, Tsukishima, blinded by her own insecurity, failed to notice the delicate position Arataki was in.


Arataki wasn't as skilled as Tsukishima assumed. He had to try hard just to keep up and defend against her attacks, while being wary of her projectiles.


The fight had lasted less than 20 minutes, yet it was already hard for him to keep his breath steady.


Fortunately for him, Arataki had noticed Tsukishima's doubts. More than that, Watanabe Futaba had informed him of Tsukishima's shortcomings. So he knew what he had to do—while she was still doubting herself, it was the perfect time to strike.


"It's now or never..."


Arataki gripped his sword tightly; the perfect opportunity to use his Kikai had finally come.

From the look on his face, I immediately understood his intention.


"Tsukishima-san's in trouble. Arataki's going to use his Kikai right when she's least likely to fight back properly."


"So what? If Tsukishima-san's as strong as you say, that shouldn't be a problem."


"I'd like to think like that too, but her self-doubt holds her back too much even more than I anticipated, and now... she might lose just because of that."


Unlike Akira, Ryûko, and Yôsuke accepted my assessment. They stiffened, silently hoping I was mistaken.


"I... I'm sorry, Tsukishima-chan... but I have to win this fight..." Arataki looked down, his hair swaying slightly. "I need this wish!! I need to apologize to someone I hurt!!"


Tsukishima stood still, bracing herself for the next strike. Arataki raised a sorrowful gaze to meet hers. He appeared on the verge of tears as memories rushed into his mind.


"That person... was kind. Someone who never judged me for where I came from or who I looked like, someone who loved me for who I was—Sieg, plain and simple..."


The crowd fell silent as well, the arena hanging on Arataki's every word as he continued:


"...It was the same for me. No matter her background, I cared for her deeply. She was my best friend. But I ruined everything! Because of me, she got harassed... and she attempted suicide..."


A wave of sadness washed over Tsukishima; Arataki's confession awakened something deep within her, for reasons she would rather forget.


"That's why... That's why I entered the Erabareshimono no Kyousou... I need this wish. I need one last chance to see her and apologize... I'm sorry, Tsukishima-chan, but I have to win; this one point could change everything!"


Arataki lunged forward; his speed increased massively in a fraction of a second. His eyes gleamed with a powerful yellow aura, his Kikai running at its full potential.


The crowd's cheers shifted dramatically in favor of Arataki after his heartfelt confession, leaving Tsukishima isolated and alone against them.


Erabareshimono no Kyousou logs: Arataki Sieg
-> First-year student,
-> 174 cm / 75 kg
-> Kikai: Cheer up - Allows him to convert the encouragement he receives into pure strength.


"Victory is mine!!"


Arataki struck Tsukishima's shield again, breaking it this time. She stumbled backward, one hand on the ground to keep her balance.


But Arataki wasn't done; he launched a flurry of strikes, as if his claymore had turned into a feather he could swing with ease.


Tsukishima couldn't dodge indefinitely, and when she got hit, it landed hard. Arataki's claymore slammed into Tsukishima's shoulder with a downward strike, dislocating it immediately. A painful groan escaped Tsukishima's lips as the blow connected.


"This is not good," I murmured to myself.


To be continued...